Eloisa Jamesg
Much Ado About You (2005)
Author: Eloisa James
Genre: Romance (Regency Historical)
Plot Summary:
The beautiful, spirited Essex sisters, Tess, Anabell, Imogen and Josie, are orphaned when their father falls from a horse. He spent all his money on his stables, so the girls go to live with their guardian, the kind but tipsy Duke of Holbrook. Realizing that it’s her duty to make a good marriage, Tess seeks a husband. Holbrook persuades his friend the Earl of Mayne to marry Tess for her dowry, a prize stallion called Something Wanton, but she secretly loves Holbrook’s other friend, the notorious Mr. Felton who vows never to marry. Meanwhile, Imogen elopes with the impetuous Lord Maitland, and Tess’s wedding must be held immediately to cover the scandal. Mayne gets cold feet and leaves her at the altar, so Felton gallantly steps in to save Tess’s honor, after which he realizes he loves her as passionately as she loves him and they consummate their marriage all across the countryside.
Geographical Setting: Holbrook Court, home of the Duke of Holbrook and Bramble Hill, Mr. Felton’s house on the outskirts of Silchester, England.
Time Period: 1816
Series: First in a yet unnamed series about the Essex sisters.
Appeal Characteristics:
Lighthearted and witty in tone, the book is pure pleasure to read and is true to the Romance novel formula. It is set in England in the Regency period, which would appeal to Anglophiles. The Regency proprieties are observed like the dilemma of finding a suitable chaperone to stay at the Duke’s house with the girls. However, it is much spicier than a true Regency with innuendo-laden conversations between men and women and frank, sisterly heart-to-heart talks. The final third of the story occurs after Tess is married and contains plenty of sensual, though not explicit sex. Additionally, there is a great deal of dialog regarding horses, riding and horseracing and would appeal to horse lovers. It is leisurely paced and character driven with a focus on witty dialog reminiscent of Jane Austen. While the romance is the center of the story, emphasis is also placed on the sisters’ relationship and a lot of time is spent establishing their characters since this is the first novel in the series. The author describes this book as “Sex in the City” meets “Little Women” and I have to agree – it is sexy without being coarse, and has the feel of an extended conversation with your best girlfriend.
Similar Authors: Kimberly Logan, Cathy Maxwell, Liz Carlyle
Red Flags: Lots of sensual but not explicit sex. Occasional mild profanity.
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